Communications

In an effort to manage its wire taps, “pen registers,” “trap & trace devices” and other forms of electronic communications intercepts, the U.S. Secret Service is seeking a contractor that can provide the highly specialized software that makes these intercepts possible, along with ancillary support and training.

The Secret Service currently relies on intercept software provided by the incumbent contractor, Pen-Link Ltd, of Lincoln, NE.

The President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee will meet in both closed and open sessions in Washington, DC, on May 22 to discuss nation-state capabilities and strategic threats, Cloud computing, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and destructive malware.

In an effort to improve the way in which correctional officers in prisons can detect cell phones illegally being used by inmates, the Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice plans to evaluate a group of these hand-held cell phone detector devices.

The devices will be examined by the NIJ Corrections Technology Center of Excellence, according to a Federal Register notice published on May 10.

Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc. and Harris Corp. demonstrated the Project 25 (P25) Console Sub-System Interface (CSSI) at the 2013 International Wireless Communications Expo in Las Vegas.

Catalyst’s full-featured critical communications voice console, IP|Console, operated seamlessly with Harris’ VIDA network, via the standard P25 wireline interface, said Catalyst in a news release it issued on May 8.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, announced on May 8 that it has received numerous reports of phishing attacks targeting various telecommunication companies' customers.

Individuals reportedly receive automated telephone calls that claim to be from the victim's telecommunication carrier, said the IC3. Victims are directed to a phishing site to receive a credit, discount or prize ranging from $300 to $500.

DHS is planning to extend a current operations and maintenance contract held by HP Enterprise Services, LLC, of Herndon, VA, in order to ensure the continued, smooth performance, on a 24/7/365 basis of the “Executive Communications Capability” at the DHS National Operations Center, which provides the conference calling and other communications services for Secretary Janet Napolitano, her deputy and other senior DHS officials.

The U.S. House of Representatives is looking for one or more vendors who can provide comprehensive voice telecommunications services (including technical support, remote monitoring, maintenance and management) and provide voice equipment (including hardware and software).

A formal solicitation was issued by the House’s office of the chief administrative officer on May 3, and proposals are due by May 6.